Shane Volk, 32, who served in the U.S. Marines for eight years before joining the city police force in 2008, was northbound in a 2007 Jeep Wrangler on Glen Arm Road just north of Long Green Pike about 1:50 a.m. when his vehicle "left the roadway, struck an embankment, and then struck two mailboxes," county police said.

Volk was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene, county police said.

In a statement, Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts said Volk, who served in the city's southern district, will be missed in the department, where his family has deep ties.

Volk's father is a retired sergeant, and his mother works in the department's communications office. Volk had served as a patrol officer in the eastern district and on the department's violent crime unit before becoming a detective in November. His goal, according to the Fraternal Order of Police, was to become a homicide detective.

"This is tremendous loss to our police family. Detective Volk was a well-liked, hardworking officer with a bright future both professionally and personally," Batts said. The department will "come together to support our extended family during this time of grief."

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake offered condolences in a statement, calling Volk a "dedicated officer who worked hard to protect and serve Baltimore's residents" and his death a "heartbreaking tragedy."

Baltimore police said Volk is also survived by his wife and one child.

Baltimore County police said the cause of the crash is under investigation.